ROOT CANAL
Root canals are tooth-saving procedures. The treatment design rids the inner tooth of infection. Ridding the infection through pulp removal and careful cleaning of the inner tooth. Followed by sealing of the tooth to prevent future infections. Thus preserving the tooth from a possible extraction.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal or commonly called RCT is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow.
In the majority of cases, a general dentist or an endodontist performs a root canal while the patient may be under local anesthesia.
When is a Root Canal Treatment needed?
A root canal is performed when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed or infected.
The crown of the tooth — the part you that is visible above the gums — may remain intact even when the pulp is dead. The best option to preserve the structure of the tooth is to remove the injured or infected pulp.
Common causes of damage to the pulp include:
• Deep decay due to an untreated cavity
• Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
• A chip or crack in the tooth
• An injury to the tooth (usually associated with a fall that may injure the tooth, sports injuries and due to injuries in contact sports. The pulp can be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth.
The most common symptoms of damaged pulp include pain in the tooth, and swelling and a sensation of heat in the gums.
At Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis, we examine the painful tooth and take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. The root canal may be advised if necessary.
How is a Root Canal Treatment performed?
At Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis, we ensure the best quality of treatment would be carried out with the following procedures.
Step 1: Local Anesthesia
A small amount of numbing medication is applied on the gum near the affected tooth. Once it has taken effect, a local anesthetic is injected into the gums. A sharp pinch or a burning sensation may be temporarily experienced.
You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the anesthetic will keep you from feeling any pain.
Step 2: Removing the pulp
When the tooth is numbed, a small opening in the top of the tooth is made to gain access to the pulp. Once the infected or damaged pulp is exposed, it is carefully removed using special tools called files. Particular care to clean out all the pathways (canals) in the tooth is taken.
Step 3: Antibiotics
Once the pulp has been removed, the area may be coated with a topical antibiotic to ensure that the infection is eliminated and to prevent re-infection. Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, the tooth is filled and sealed with a sealer paste and rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Step 4: Temporary filling
The procedure is completed temporarily by filling the small opening in the top of the tooth with a soft, temporary material. This sealant helps prevent the canals from being damaged by saliva.
Follow-up post the Root Canal Treatment
The tooth and gums might feel pain when the numbing medication wears off. The patient is advised to call or visit Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis if the pain becomes extreme or lasts for more than a few days.
One should be able to resume the normal routine of the day after the procedure. Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until it is permanently filled or a crown is placed over the top.
The patient is advised to visit Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis a few days after the root canal. X-ray is taken to make sure that any infection is gone. The temporary filling may then be replaced with a permanent filling.
A permanent crown or cap is placed on the tooth to provide stability to the tooth structure. Crowns are artificial teeth that can be made from a variety of material like metal, porcelain or gold. The benefit of a crown is its realistic appearance.
It may take several days to get used to how the tooth feels after the procedure. This is normal and there is no cause for concern.
Risks of a Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is performed as an effort to save the tooth. At times, however, the existing damage is too deep or the enamel is too frail to withstand the procedure. These factors may lead to loss of the tooth.
Another risk is developing an abscess at the root of the tooth if some of the infected material remains behind. This usually happens if the canal is calcified or if the canal is dilacerated (bent) or if the antibiotics are not effective.
What after a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is considered a restorative procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure are able to enjoy the positive results for the rest of their lives. Yet, how long the results last depends on the way one takes care of the teeth.
Just as the rest of the teeth depend on good and proper oral hygiene habits; the restored tooth requires regular brushing and flossing as well.
What happens if you don’t get a Root Canal Treatment?
Skipping root canal therapy is not recommended. Patients sometimes believe that the tooth infection has healed and the pain has subsided. This, however, is a telltale sign that the infection has killed off the pain-sensing nerves. With an infection still present, this can weaken the tooth, leading to fractures or cracks that can ultimately lead to an extraction. Even worse, the untreated infection can spread to other areas of your mouth and body.
How to prevent getting a Root Canal Treatment?
Practice good habits and hygiene and avoid certain bad habits. These include:
• Brush twice a day
• Floss daily
• Wear a night guard if one is a jaw clencher
• Avoid acidic food and drinks
• Avoid hard foods
• Avoid chewing betel and areca, and gutka
• Be consistent with dental checkups and cleanings
If you are currently suffering from tooth pain, call Dhotrad’s Sunny Dental Clincis now. Emergency appointment is offered for the convenience of the patient. The experienced dentist will perform a thorough exam to see what is causing the pain. Get relief today. We look forward to restoring your glowing smile.